When Neeraj Chopra takes the field, it’s not just his javelin that flies, so does the hope of a billion people. But the Olympic champion sees it differently. For him, the fans are more than just faces in the stands or names on social media, they are his “partners” in competition.“As athletes, to receive this kind of support is very special,” Neeraj told Bharat Army ahead of the NC Classic. “The focus is always on the throw, but it’s the supporters who boost our performances, helping us give our 100% always.”
Over the years, Neeraj has become synonymous with calm excellence. But even for someone who has stood tall on the biggest stages in world sport, there’s something uniquely energising about performing in front of his own.
“For me, they are more than fans, they are my partners when I go about throwing the javelin,” he said. “They support me through thick and thin. Their backing is very critical. People get frustrated when they lose, but when you see people cheering you all the time, there’s massive motivation in that. I always like it when the crowd is present. I always try to meet them after the competition, regardless of whether I win the gold or not. The best part is Indians greet you gracefully across the world.”“I would just like to garner support for the NC Classic. I have mainly played abroad, which is why I have never really experienced what it feels like playing in front of the Bharat Army supporters often. I am eagerly looking forward to that in this tournament,” he said.The 26-year-old also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the group that has now become an extension of India’s sporting culture across disciplines. “I would express my gratitude to Bharat Army for their continued support to the athletes. They always unveil special ways to keep uplifting the morale of the sportspeople.”Neeraj’s performances have always spoken volumes, but this season, his words hit just as hard. Especially after finally breaching the elusive 90-meter mark, a milestone he had chased for years.“It was a very nice feeling. I didn’t do anything differently that day. I had done a lot of throws, so that helped,” he reflected. “In the last few years, I wasn’t able to do a lot of throws due to injuries. This time, things were perfect. I knew earlier that something nice would happen. I have had a lot of medals, but the 90-meter mark, which is termed to be magical… Now I won’t be asked questions about that, so that’s pleasing. It was the only thing I was asked everywhere. Now that won’t happen so I’m relieved.”Neeraj’s journey has always been about more than just medals. It’s been about the silent strength of supporters, the shared dream of a nation, and the bond between athlete and audience, one that he believes can shape performances. Come NC Classic, India won’t just be watching Neeraj. It will be standing with him, just as he always felt it did.
